I've been a member of Meet Up for several years now. And yes, sometimes the groups are just like this one. But I have found real friends through groups that seem to focus on an activity instead of just meet & great sort of social events. I knit & go to a knitting group. I hike & belong to a senior's hiking group. I recently joined a group for divorced/separated women - first meeting next week - it may be a disaster cause I'm sure I'm way older than most of these ladies. One of my favorite groups was one that tries out local restaurants. The key to a good group is a good organizer. Don't give up yet - there's much fun to be had out there!!